On Sunday, the duo of Orlando Hernandez and Mike Pelfrey combined for a total of allow 17 hits and 13 runs in 7⅓ innings. With that said, Mets manager Willie Randolph still hasn’t name his fifth starter. The competition is squarely down to Hernandez, Pelfrey and 33-year old pitcher Nelson Figueroa.

Originally drafted by the Mets in the 30th round of the 1995 MLB Amateur Draft, he was traded to the Diamondbacks in 1998. He was then sent to Philadelphia in the deal that brought Curt Schilling to the desert. Following that, Figueroa bounced around the league with various clubs including the Brewers, Pirates and Nationals.

His last major-league appearance was with the Pirates in 2004, going 0-3 with a 5.72 ERA in 10 games, three of which were starts. He pitched with a torn rotator cuff and took a year off to rehab.

Finally, in September of 2007, he found his way to Taiwan to play in the Chinese Professional Baseball League, eventually being named the CPBL championship series most valuable player.

In six games, two starts, Figueroa has a 2.87 ERA and has allowed five runs in 14 2/3 innings.

Overall, in 74 appearances, 33 of which were starts, Figueroa is 7-17 with a 4.65 ERA throughout his five-year major league career.

For more on Figueroa, check out Vic Ziegel’s column for the New York Daily News.

Tony Massorotti of the Boston Herald reports that Boston Red Sox SP Curt Schilling may miss the entire 2008 season because of a significant shoulder injury.

The injury is not exactly known, but it is believed the injury is to the rotator cuff or the labrum and may require surgery. Also, it is not known if the injury has lingered from last season or the injury occurred after his first injury healed. The Red Sox have inquired about voiding his one-year contract, but it is not known how far they have taken the idea. The threat of voiding his contract has created a conflict between Schilling and the team.

Its a good thing the Mets got the Johan deal done before this came out, because I would have to think the Red Sox would have become highly motivated buyers in light of this news.

Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox have reached a preliminary agreement on an $8 million, one-year contract, the Associated Press reports.

Schilling can make $5 million in bonuses to match his 2007 salary. $3 million in can be earned based on innings pitched and $2 million based on weight clauses to make sure Schilling remains fit.

Schilling comments on the deal on his blog 38 pitches.

I have to say it is incredibly cool and surreal how involved Schilling is with his blog and giving us such a deep insight into everything going on. I can’t recall an athlete that is so connected to the blog medium and it would have been interesting to see him doing so as a New York Met.

ESPN is reporting that Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox are closing to a one-year deal.

The deal is believed to be incentive-laden and, according to sources, might be simply contingent on a final physical.

The Associated Press as well as Rob Bradford at the Boston Herald are reporting the story. Bradford spoke to Schilling last night who said

“(things) gathered momentum and if they continued to progress like they did (yesterday) something could potentially get done.”

Schilling had initially been looking for a $13 million extension before last season.

In Newsday, Jim Baumbach asks Pedro Martinez to give the Mets his blessing to go get Curt Schilling.

Baumbach goes on to list the reasons why Schilling is a good fit for the Mets, which include the ability to sign him to a one year deal, the benefits of him moving to the National League, his regard as a big game pitcher, and his hate for the Yankees.

Schilling, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, once called Boston sports talk radio station WEEI after the hosts suggested that there might be tension between the Red Sox top two pitchers.

Schilling was angry because the hosts suggested that Martínez might resent being overshadowed by Schilling.

The host tried to put forth the idea that Martinez and Schilling rarely show enthusiasm for each other on the field. Schilling called the station up and said the following :

“Don’t be stupid enough to think you can make something out of nothing,” Schilling told the hosts, with anger in his voice. “That’s how dumb, idiotic rumors get started by people who don’t know the game. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Pedro. He’s probably one of the best pitchers I’ve ever pitched with. He’s a great guy. We get along awesome.”

Sounds like media generated drama to me.

Schilling makes sense, if the Mets can sign him to a one year deal. The Mets add a proven, veteran arm to replace Glavine, and are not hamstrung to a long term deal.

The Mets will have better long term rotation options available next off-season via free agency and this year via trade. Schilling is a perfect pick up for the Mets in my opinion and doesn’t prevent them from adding further depth to their rotation.

I can tell you one thing, Mike and The Mad Dog would love to see Schilling come to the Mets. He is New York sports talk radio’s dream come true. Schilling and the New York media could make for one lively season.